Contemporary interior design in Singapore is focusing on functionality and practical appeal. These are the reasons why so many traditional choices have become obsolete or they’ve been modified to address contemporary reality.
When it comes to HDB flat doors, you may think there aren’t too many possibilities (apart from an eventual change in shape, colour or material). This isn’t necessarily the case. Concealed doors like the ones used in this apartment in Bishan Street 12 that Home Guide did the Interior Design for can contribute to a significant change in the appearance and the style of the living space.
Are concealed doors the right choice for your Singapore HDB flat? The answer depends on the size of the apartment and the goals you’re trying to accomplish.
The Benefits of Concealed Doors
Concealed doors are advantageous over their standard counterparts in several ways.
They are a perfect choice for minimalist, streamlined interiors. Minimal interior design emphasises smoothness, space and functionality. Everything that isn’t contributing to comfort or practical appeal in one way or another is taken out of the equation.
Hidden doors, like the ones in this apartment in Tanglin Halt, Singapore that we designed, create clean lines and a beautiful flow. The space looks larger and a lot more sophisticated than the standard HDB flat.
Finally, a concealed door is something that only the residents of the property will know about.
If you want to have a hidden little room (the so-called “man cave,” an art studio, a relaxation area for adults), a concealed door will be a great choice. Nobody is going to know about the hidden space and its function unless you want to take guests or family members there.
Ways to Use Concealed Doors in Interior Design
As you’ve gathered from the benefits already, there are multiple ways to use concealed doors in contemporary residential interior design. The specific type of hidden door and its use will depend on your goal.
Do you need a bit of inspiration? Here are several cool suggestions you may want to incorporate in a residential renovation project.
Hide a Door Behind a Bookcase
A movable bookcase, in which one of the panels opens and closes to let people into another room, serves several purposes.
For a start, you are getting a display area for the placement of your favourite books, magazines, photographs and knick-knacks.
In addition, you don’t have to think about the separate placement of the door. The door is hidden behind the bookcase and the mechanism of opening and closing is typically a simple one. While a child may struggle with such a concealed door, it’s an ideal choice for a sophisticated apartment inhabited by adults.
Cover the Door with Mirrors and Create a Reflective Wall
This is probably one of the simplest and most cost-efficient possibilities for hiding a door in your HDB flat.
Adding large mirrors to a room is beneficial in several ways.
For a start, mirrors create the illusion of a larger space when they’re placed strategically to optically enhance the size of the room.
Mirrors will also reflect light. If you have a room or a hallway with a few windows or no natural source of light whatsoever, mirror placement across a window would be an ideal choice.
You can have an entire wall covered in mirror panels for an optimal affect. To refrain from breaking the design because the wall features a door, you can easily have the door covered in the same type of panel. The design continuity will be guaranteed and you’ll also benefit from a pretty cool and exciting reflective room.
Build Shelves on Top of the Door
A concealed door that’s covered in shelves or storage units is a perfect choice for a small HDB flat.
Small living spaces are always short on storage areas. Thus, any part of the apartment that can be transformed is going to be beneficial.
The types of shelves depend on your preferences. Clean and open are great for those who adopt the minimalist mindset. But it’s also possible to conceal a door behind a larger cabinet if you need to put away a bigger number of things.
Concealed doors that blend into the rest of the home interior design are a perfect choice for maximising the safety and security of your apartment.
You can hide a security room or a safe behind a concealed door. This area will be used to hold important documents, valuables, money, gold and anything else you worry about eventually getting stolen.
Finally, there are great concealed door choices for people who enjoy parties.
Loud parties can get you in serious trouble with the neighbours in your HDB building. Thus, if you like having fun every now and then, you should consider a bit of soundproofing.
Your interior design company will give you ideas about soundproofing the walls in the apartment. Soundproof doors are also available for purchase. These can be hidden behind shelves or storage panels that will add another layer between the party room and the rest of the apartment.
If you plan to execute such a specialised project, you should definitely get professionals involved. Specific calculations and material selections have to be made to achieve optimal soundproofing. Those who attempt completing the task on their own may be a bit disappointed about the final outcome.
Concealed doors can add a fun, quirky element to your HDB flat. On top of that, they can be used to accomplish functional or security goals. Don’t ignore such options because you think they’re way too specialised. Concealed doors are becoming increasingly common and widely available in Singapore due to the positive characteristics already discussed.
Do you need a bit of assistance to execute such an innovative project? Home Guide is here to help. Don’t hesitate to explore our residential portfolio – we have designed several flats that feature concealed doors. Alternatively, you can contact us today to discuss the specific idea you have in mind for your HDB flat.
